Idukki Arch Dam - An Engineering Marvel in Kerala

The idea for the Idukki project was first conceived in 1919. Construction of the dam began in 1969 under the supervision of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). It was built as the central component of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, designed to harness the power of the Periyar River. The project received technical assistance from Canada. The dam was completed in 1973 and officially inaugurated in February 1976 by the then Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi. Local legend says a tribal chieftain showed the dam's ideal location to engineers, between two hills that represent a cursed couple, Kuravan and Kurathi.

The Idukki Arch Dam is significant for several reasons. Architecturally, it is one of the world's few double-curvature arch dams, a testament to advanced engineering skills of its time. It is a critical piece of infrastructure, contributing a substantial portion of Kerala's electricity. For visitors, its immense scale and the panoramic views it offers of the surrounding Western Ghats make it a remarkable sight. Its strategic importance means it is a high-security zone, adding a layer of exclusivity for those who can visit during its limited public opening.